NOTE from LEGISLATIVE LIAISON

As a nonpartisan, grass-roots organization, the Grange does not attempt to limit any member’s freedom to think, believe or vote as he or she pleases. However, we always give a full support to good legislation.

Involvement in the legislative process has been an important aspect of Grange activity since the organization’s inception in 1867. Our primary legislative objective is to represent the views of rural residents and the agriculture community. Our views become Grange policy from the grass roots, through a “bottom up” democratic process. Each year our policies are summarized and published in the Legislative Handbook, which guides our work in the Legislature. We encourage all Grangers to get involved and make their voices heard.

State examines ways to break free of infinite budget loop

As we began the opening days of the second special legislative session of 2011, I am reminded of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day. The movie stars Bill Murray who plays a TV weatherman that during a hated assignment finds himself repeating the same day over and over again. In the movie the only way Murray can escape from the infinite time loop is to re-examine his life and priorities. I find the similarities uncanny to the budget woes of Washington. 
The legislature has begun, yet again the task of reexamining the state budget to close a $1.4 billion gap in revenue for the current biennium. This will be Washington’s fourth year in a row of tackling this massive undertaking. In past years legislators have limited themselves to cuts and reforms to fill the budget gaps, but this year things might look a little different. Like Groundhog Day the legislature will be reexamining the state’s priorities to hopefully get us out of the infinite loop. Revenue options like an increase to the sales tax may come to the voters this spring. Our current policy passed at this year’s state convention opposes new tax increases unless they are sent to the voters or a 2/3 majority. 
We heard from the Governor in November that job creation should be one of the top priorities of this legislative session, and we can’t agree more. We need to get people back to work so consumer confidence rises and in turn people begin spending again. But, if the task of creating a balanced budget wasn’t tough enough, let’s add that time is of the essence. According to Marty Brown, director of the Office of Financial Management in an email sent to members he reminded them that state government spends approximately $41 million a day and every day that goes by makes our budget gap harder to fill.
While the regular legislative session doesn’t begin until Jan. 9, we can expect to see other legislation introduced. We will also be keeping a close eye on the other Washington. The 2012 Farm bill will be on our radar and we will be working with National Grange and our Congressional members to ensure our Grange policies are recognized.
As we have done in years past we will be sending out Session Watch each week. If you would like to receive Session Watch please contact state headquarters. If you are receiving Session Watch via USPS and prefer to receive via email let us know here in the office. We will take you out of the mailing database and save postage. Session Watch is also available on the Grange website each week. 
Don’t forget to call your state legislators with your concerns. Use the Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000) to contact your state legislator. You may also visit the legislative web site for all scheduled hearings, bills of interest to you, House and Senate floor activity, and so much more at www.leg.wa.gov.